This year, 56,059 potential students acquired No Objection letters from the Ministry of Education as compared to 32,489 last year. This number keeps on escalating, especially as the International Education Fair continues to report thousands of participants every year. For instance, in February 2018, a higher education fair organized by USEF and the US Embassy recorded an attendance of 2,000 potential students. In early July, over 15,000 potential students visited The Kathmandu Post Edu Con – these are just a few of the education fairs. Australia, Japan, New Zealand, India, USA and Germany are the top education destinations for Nepali students according to a 2016 The Kathmandu Post (TKP) report. This growing number of aspiring international students shows how the higher education system in Nepal has yet to attract them. Providing quality higher education to students can benefit the nation in several ways.
As online courses and learning gain traction internationally, why not adopt it as an alternative for students who are forced to seek education abroad? Approximately 63 percent Nepalis have Internet access, which can be leveraged to further the cause of higher education in the country. Internationally, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) have provided a suitable learning environment for thousands of students without having to venture abroad.
As open universities and alternative education systems have received a nod in the national budget, this is a great time for the private sector, government departments, and stakeholders to invest in it.
Local Universities that are affiliated with foreign universities and award their degrees are impressive to students. If this trend is boosted and given continuity, it will compel potential students to think twice about going abroad. Plus, universities will attract students if they offer one semester abroad and give students a choice. Choosing such courses will be appropriate for students and parents who are hesitant about accumulating a substantial amount of loan.
As more colleges are cropping with impressive infrastructures, government and private sectors can run attractive courses and degrees to keep the students here.
Annually, thousands of students leave the country for studies and work and among them, many have returned and started making a living in Nepal. If concerned parties can encourage this momentum, then Nepal will be left with a significant number of degree holders with valuable job experience and skill sets and even train young job holders in their craft. This will make a huge difference in Nepal’s development in the future.
While the announcement of a Rs. 700,000 loan for students with collateral as their academic certificates is a green signal by the incumbent government, more can still be done.